Police Charge Man In Southeast Shooting Death Of Toddler
Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 7:00 A.M. ET. 2 Minute Read, By Art Fletcher: Englebrook Independent News,
WASHINGTON, DC.- On Friday, July 11, 2025, a 24-year-old Southeast, D.C., man was taken into custody and jailed after being charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a 3-year-old girl that occurred in the early morning hours of Saturday, July 5, 2025, in Southeast Washington, D.C.
According to D.C. Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, just minutes after 3:00 a.m., members of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department’s First District responded to a report of a child being struck by gunfire on the 1000 Block of 14th Street in Southeast, D.C.
Upon arrival, Police Officers found a female toddler, identified as 3-year-old Honesty Cheadle, of Southeast, D.C., suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound to her chest. Honesty was immediately transported by DC Fire and Emergency Medical Services to an area hospital, where, despite life-saving efforts, on Monday, July 7, 2025, Honesty tragically succumbed to her injury and was pronounced deceased.
During the initial investigation, Responding Police Officers and Detectives of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Major Case Squad determined that Honesty was struck by gunfire while seated alongside family members in a vehicle parked on 14th Street.
Detectives Identify Rucker As The Sole Suspect
During the ensuing investigation, Detectives identified a suspect, identified as Charles Rucker, 24, of Southeast, D.C, who opened fire on 14th Street, when a bullet struck and pierced the vehicle, striking Honesty in the chest. Detectives further determined that Rucker was the sole suspect in the shooting, and a warrant was issued for his arrest.
Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force Arrest Rucker
On Friday, July 11, 2025, members of the Capitol Area Regional Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Rucker without incident. Rucker was formally charged, pursuant to a DC Superior Court warrant, with one count of first-degree Murder and related weapons offenses. Rucker was processed on the charges and was remanded to the D.C. Central Detention Facility.
On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Rucker made his initial appearance before Superior Court Judge Rainey Brant, who ordered him detained pending trial.
“This arrest is a testament to the diligent and painstaking police work that has occurred around the clock over the past week,” said Chief of Police Pamela A. Smith. “To Honesty’s family, we know today’s news does not make you whole again, but we hope that this arrest brings some measure of comfort as you grieve this inconceivable loss.”
“The rules of the court require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.”
